Lipase-ultrasound assisted synthesis of polyesters

Poly (ethylene glutarate), poly (ethylene malonate) and poly (ethylene phthalate), were enzymatically synthesized by immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B in solvent free conditions. The synthesis of these polyesters was based on the ester-ester exchange reaction between ethylene glycol diacetate and di-ethyl glutarate, di-benzyl malonate, di-n-octyl phthalate to produce poly (ethylene glutarate), poly (ethylene malonate) and poly (ethylene phthalate), respectively. The effect of ultrasound and PET polymeric beads was evaluated and showed to improve the synthesis of all polyesters. Ultrasound, as a green solvent-free technology, showed high potentiality for the polyester synthesis intensification.